Bush: Foley Conduct 'Disgusting'

President Renews Support For Speaker Hastert As Panel Investigates Page Scandal

(CBS/AP)  President Bush on Wednesday called ex-Rep. Mark Foley's approaches to House male pages "disgusting" and backed Speaker Dennis Hastert's efforts to learn how officials handled the problem.

Mr. Bush's remarks at a White House news conference came as Peggy Sampson, supervisor of the page program, was questioned before the House ethics committee. The panel is not only investigating Foley's inappropriate and sometimes salacious electronic messages to former pages, but whether House officials covered up Foley's come-ons.

Sampson would not comment to reporters after the more than two-hour closed session. The unique page program allows high schoolers, sponsored by their congressman, to attend classes in the congressional page school and work for legislators as errand-runners.

Asked about the scandal, Mr. Bush said, "This is disgusting behavior when a member of Congress betrays the trust of the Congress and the family that sent a young page to serve." And he defended Hastert, who said he first learned of the approaches in late September.

"I think the speaker's strong statements have made it clear to not only the party ... but to the country that he wants to find out the facts," Mr. Bush said. "Denny is very credible as far as I'm concerned. He's done a fine job as speaker."

Foley sent e-mails and instant messages, some of them sexually explicit, to male pages after they left the program.

A four-member investigative panel of the evenly divided ethics panel is sorting out conflicts — including whether Hastert's office learned of the Florida Republican's inappropriate conduct in 2002, 2003 or 2005. All those years were mentioned, depending on who is telling the story.

Kirk Fordham, Foley's one-time chief of staff, is scheduled for questioning Thursday before a House ethics committee investigative panel. He said he notified Hastert chief of staff Scott Palmer in 2002 or 2003 about Foley's inappropriate conduct, and that he subsequently learned that Palmer met with Foley.

An internal review released by Hastert's office on Sept. 30 says the first notice to Hastert's aides about Foley wasn't until the fall of 2005 — and it didn't come from Fordham.

Rather, the review said, it came from the office of Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., after the lawmaker learned of an overly friendly – but not sexually explicit — e-mail from the Florida Republican to a page from the congressman's state.

Palmer has publicly disputed Fordham's account. It was not clear when the ethics committee will question him.

The contradiction between the staff aides is almost outdone by Hastert's conflicts with statements by two members of his leadership team: Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and the House Republican campaign chairman, Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y.

Longtime conservative leader Paul Weyrich said Tuesday that Hastert had assured him that Boehner was wrong when he said that he had told Hastert months ago about the page problem with Foley.

"As to Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds, the speaker said, 'If he had mentioned this problem to me, I surely would have taken notice,"' Weyrich said in an e-mailed account of a phone conversation with Hastert.

Weyrich quoted Hastert as saying that Reynolds often came to him with numerous requests to help incumbents in trouble. "The speaker said he signs off on the majority of requests and only listens with one ear because the requests are repetitive," Weyrich said.

"Did Reynolds during such a session drop the bombshell about Foley in the speaker's lap without the speaker's comprehending what was being told to him? 'That is possible but unlikely,' the speaker said. In any case, he has absolutely no recollection," Weyrich said.

Boehner's spokesman, Kevin Madden, said slightly different accounts were not surprising because the events took place four months ago.

A spokesman for Hastert had no comment. A Reynolds spokesman, L.D. Platt, said Hastert had already said he didn't recall the conversation.

But most people apparently believe top Republicans knew about Foley's conduct early on, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll. Sixty-two percent said they think members of the House Republican leadership were aware of the messages before they became public.

A full 80 percent of Americans said the Foley matter should be taken seriously.

[frankly6]

Let the truth sting.

[mdmx66]

"the safety of the pages"?, yea, that Foley, man, he looks like one dagerous dude.

[mjv2944]

The whole bunch is corrupt, dems and repubs alike. They are hollow people, created for and by the media, phony, phony phony. They are not honorable people, they have sold us down the river for the sake of big business and their own selfish interests. VOTE OUT ALL INCUMBENTS in November, and keep voting them out till we get people in congress that have America's best interest at heart. Right wing, left wing, its time to clip the wings.

[iloveamerica]

What a horribly misleading title for this story. It makes you think Hassert is telling everyone about his cover up. lol, Honest mistake im sure....

Yeah Foley looks like the antichrist, You could pick him as the most dangerous out of a bunch hard core criminals... Nanci Pelosi should invite Foley to listen to her next speech at the Man Boy Love Association.

I cant beleive the media is still freaking out about this story. Why is every one still bashing this perv? In case you guys didnt know, he resigned like 12 days ago.....lol. Leave the homosexual alone......there is no evidence he did anything with any minors. Im sure he is pretty dang suicidal at this point....lol. I bet the dems wont give up until he does commit suicide, than they will go after Hassert and work their way up the ladder till they come to George Bush, Maybe they'll unleash Nancy Grace on them.

[iloveamerica]

mjv2944, They dont literally have wings. This is only the action of one man....I dont know why we should get rid of everyone over one homosexual. It could be worse, He could be a pedephile like Gerry Studds....right? I do agree that we need a change and the best way for that to happen is to vote on the issues that matter....like North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and the economy (keeping taxes low).

[laurieleemoo]

The democrats, I would say, are playing a very dangerous game with this Foley ***. The certainly are not winning my vote----I can not stand this kind of low life politics. All I can say---is that I certainly hope the Republicans find the down and dirty on the Democrats (we all know its there--just a matter of finding it--actually--just a matter of 'WHEN'. Did you ever hear that saying, "what goes around, comes around" or "payback is a ***". I just certainly hope all these democrats that are casting stones have lived their lives respectfully. I'm sure this game can be played on both sides-----so I would not be acting all self-righteous and high and mighty if I were them. Like I said--this kind of stuff is always a dangerous game and probably will come back to bite the Democrats in the butt

[itchybrain]

I think it's funny just watching the repubs squirming and trying to spin this one. And, laurieleemoo is right... what went around, came around... and I don't blame the dems one bit for paying back all the kindness they've received from the repubs over the years.

[observantx]

So, I guess that if the Speaker of the House is a man of his word and he will absolutely dismiss anyone who has covered up, delayed, or held back any information on Mark Foley's behavior this means Mr. Hastert has to dismiss himself.

I will be waiting for that announcement on the evening news when I get home tonight.

[perception5]

I think what we need to do is to let the investigation move forward. I'm sensing a de ja vu coming on ....... you know when we all knew that it was Karl Rove that outed Ms. Plame?? Then after one year of ragging on Bush and Rove we found out is was innocent... I have an idea.... why don't we presume that everyone's innocent UNTIL proven guility. Why the way where is Valerie and Joe Liar???

[rharrin1]

laurieleemoo I also think what goes around comes around if it is the dems doing this I hope they go stronger but I don't think it is they just can't get themselves to sink as low as the GOP you don't remember what the gop was doing to clinton. DO YOU ALSO SUFFER FROM LAPSE OF MEMORY? hastert is doing the old finger pointing game

[searingtruth]

... why don't we presume that everyone's innocent UNTIL proven guility ...
perception5

Oh, you mean like the anonymous citizens we illegally abducted and imprisoned in secret locations, without charge or representation, forever?

Oh wait, Dictator Bush simply pronounced these unknown American and foreign citizens guilty until proven innocent, and then even won%u2019t allow them the chance to prove their innocence.

You see what happens when you abandon the Constitution of the United States of America?

"Republicans are in a unique historical position. They are the first group of people raised on this land, who call themselves Americans, that openly proclaim the virtues of torture, secret prisons, extrajudicial abduction, universal surveillance, and dictatorial government."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[jsilver2th]

How can Hastert get re-elected himself? Isn't Aurora, Illinois where Wayne's World was set? Either one of those characters ought to be able to beat this guy after this stuff...

[searingtruth]

"Let us not discuss it, lest others gain undesirable knowledge."
SearingTruth

"One of the most fundamental precepts of justice is that everyone, under every circumstance, be treated equally."
SearingTruth

"When everything is secret, everything is legal."
SearingTruth

"Crimes against humanity must be punished."
SearingTruth

"It's time to empty our secret prisons. Let us free the innocent, and justly convict the guilty."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[searingtruth]

.. This story is goofy. ...
hamiltongrad

Only to the jaded and uncaring. As you can see, most people care very deeply when their political leadership protects a child predator, and allows them access to our children.

And then compounds their crime by engaging in a puerile and transparent cover-up.
ST

"Children should not know fear, or death, or suffering, for it is not their lot to know. Theirs is a time for joy, and wonder, and a time of great discovery. Let them never despair, or hurt, or want. This should be our highest calling, and our most sincere dedication."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[frankly6]

My dear fellow Republicans,

We have ourselves to blame for why this has gotten out of hand. If we would just ignore the facts of this and every other scandal and stay on message everything will be just fine and we can preserve our one party system of nonrepresentative government. Why must you keep being reminded to read the manuel , "HOW TO BE A GOOD REPUBLICAN".

Ok here are todays talking points:
1) This is no big deal. You Dems are smearing a good man who just happens to really really like boys.
2) Those boys were "gay baiting" Foley. You know how teenage boys like to tease. Disgusting little brats!
3) Congress just changed the age of sexual consent for children to 1 month so where's the crime here?
4) Hastert said he didn't remember being told about this. So what if all of these other Republicans including members of his own staff say they told him. He's a busy man. Give him a break for the love of God!
5) la la la la la la 9/11 9/11/ 9/11 war on terror....I see you talking but I can't hear you.....la la la...
6) The liberal media, Sorros, and Bill Clinton have come together to form a vast left wing conspiracy bent on bringing our good and righteous leaders down.
7) Cover up? What cover up? I don't see a cover up here. If it's covered up how can you see a cover up?

Just stick to these and generaly blame everyone else and we'll weather this storm just fine. Remember, God's on our side. Praise the Lord. Amen.

[searingtruth]

1) This is no big deal. You Dems are smearing a good man who just happens to really really like boys. ...
frankly6

Aaaahh!, you got me with a belly laugh again this morning frankly6!. That was just awesome.

I thought you were just kidding about there being a "HOW TO BE A GOOD REPUBLICAN" manual, but I just found out there really is one. Please keep bringing us its collective wisdom, as only you can!.

"just happens to really really like boys" - What an Orwellian world we suddenly find ourselves in. Brought to us, of course, by the evil and immoral Republican Party.
ST

"Never be ashamed to be a human being. Even more importantly, never pretend you%u2019re not one."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[drgoodwin12]

Does he include himself as Palmer his chief of staff share an apartment and palmer knew months ago.here is the link http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2006/10/second_source_t.html

[drgoodwin12]

To laurieleemoo did you not read the link I gave you about all the republicans having sexual relations with children? http://www.armchairsubversive.com/

[trueprogress]

Unless you were there, you do not know what happened. Also, who are you to judge other people ?

[searingtruth]

.. Does he include himself as Palmer his chief of staff share an apartment and palmer knew months ago ...
drgoodwin12

Oh, I'm sure not my fellow patriot. After all, as roommates they probably never talked, and if they did they of course would never talk about a serial child predator with multiple complaints against him, who happened to be the head of their administrations child protection department. After all, it had nothing to do with ruthlessly maintaining power, or subverting the Constitution. Why should they care?
I think frankly6 said it best:

"4) Hastert said he didn't remember being told about this. So what if all of these other Republicans including members of his own staff say they told him. He's a busy man. Give him a break for the love of God!"
frankly6

"Judge not a word conflicted by deed."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[bizzzz-2009]

I find it to be very scary that in light of North Korea's nuclear test, Iran's scoffing at the UN over it's nuclear ambitions, the mess in Iraq, the overall war on terror, the border being overrun by illegals, that the top issue of the day(s)is Senator Foley's sexual promiscuity. I cannot believe that this is the most important political issue at hand for this country. This country is in BIG trouble because of liberal media outlets. I only hope that if the Democrats are elected in the upcoming elections, that the media will break away from the Paris Hilton/Nicole Ritchie exclusive to let us know that the missiles are on their way.

[searingtruth]

"Unless you were there, you do not know what happened. Also, who are you to judge other people ?"
TRUEPROGRESS

Hmmm ..., I guess it's the same way that you know that everyone Dictator Bush claims is guilty is guilty.

Remember all those American and foreign citizens Dictator Bush has illegally abducted and imprisoned in secret locations without charge or representation? Remember how he single handedly proclaimed them guilty, until proven innocent, and then decided he would never allow them an opportunity to prove their innocence?

The Republican Party proudly and joyfully abandoned the Constitution of the United States of America, and it is now, and will continue, to pay the price for treason.

Any Republican call for justice rings hollow in the ears of an American.

"Who would say freedom is not free, with the price being freedom itself."
SearingTruth

"They destroyed with reckless abandon, and then plead for mercy."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[pakaal]

"all that hoopla over a non-story."

You have to admire Republican apologists like hamiltongrad's vigorous response to the story of a 52 year old congressman preying on 16 year old assistants. It's great to see that the "Family Values Party" lives up to their morally pure reputation. I'm sure the parents of these pages breathe a little easier thanks to the "compassionate conservatives" compassionate response to this scandal.

[frankly6]

Way to go bizzz! I see you managed to blame the "liberal media", the Dems, and you squized in a little fear with the missle thing. Nice touch. But you forgot to blame Clinton, the children, and vast left wing conspiracy.

Just stick to these talking points from "HOW TO BE A GOOD REPUBLICAN":

1) This is no big deal. You liberals are smearing a good man who just happens to really really like boys.
2) Those boys were "gay baiting" Foley. You know how teenage boys like to tease. Disgusting little ****ards!
3) Congress just changed the age of sexual consent for children to 1 month so where's the crime here?
4) Hastert said he didn't remember being told about this. So what if all of these other Republicans including members of his own staff say they told him? He's a busy man. Give him a break for the love of God!
5) La la la la la la 9/11 9/11/ 9/11 war on terror....I see you talking but I can't hear you.....la la la...
6) The liberal media, Sorros, and Bill Clinton have come together to form a vast left wing conspiracy bent on bringing our good and righteous leaders down.
7) Cover up? What cover up? I don't see a cover up here. If it's covered up how can you see a cover up?

Just stick to these and generaly blame everyone else and we'll weather this storm just fine. Remember, God's on our side. Praise the Lord. Amen.

[searingtruth]

"I find it to be very scary that in light of North Korea's nuclear test, Iran's scoffing at the UN over it's nuclear ambitions, the mess in Iraq, the overall war on terror, the border being overrun by illegals, that the top issue of the day(s)is Senator Foley's sexual promiscuity. ..."
bizzzz

The Republicans unbridled corruption and lust for power lies at the heart, open for all to see, of their years long cover-up of a child predator in their midst. And that unbridled lust and corruption lies at the heart of all the other important issues you mention.

None of these issues will be solved until the Republican Party is defeated, and our Constitutional Republic is restored. After this, those responsible for attempting to abolish our Constitution will be justly tried, and if convicted justly sentenced, for treason.

We can then start the decades long journey towards regaining the respect, admiration, and moral authority that America has lost under the heinous reign of the Republicans, and start seriously addressing the dangerous global issues that surround us.
ST

"Republicans are in a unique historical position. They are the first group of people raised on this land, who call themselves Americans, that openly proclaim the virtues of torture, secret prisons, extrajudicial abduction, universal surveillance, and dictatorial government."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[huskerarmy]

"This country is in BIG trouble because of liberal media outlets."

Here's a great article on the subject. I emplor you to read it:

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1067

[bizzzz-2009]

My last posting was just edited. Thanks Big Brother!

[searingtruth]

"This country is in BIG trouble because of liberal media outlets. ..."
huskerarmy

Hilarious.

I think this country is in big trouble because the Republicans abandoned the Constitution of the United States of America and replaced it with Dictator Bush.

I think this country is in big trouble because Dictator Bush can now point his finger at any citizen he wishes, American or foreign, declare them guilty, and then have them locked away at a secret location, without charge or representation, forever.

I guess it all depends on what you think is important.
ST

"If George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, or Thomas Jefferson come back to life they are going to give the Republicans a good spanking.
And then put them in prison."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[bizzzz-2009]

Searingtruth- First- In your world, do voters make the laws or do judges?
Secondly- If you think Bush is such a dictator as a President during a time of war, do me a favor, do some research on Franklin Roosevelt's policies regarding Presidential powers during World War 2. I'm sure you'll come to the conclusion that the Democratic President lauded as one of the greatest Presidents of all time, who saved us from Adolf Hitler was indeed a Dictator himself, wouldn't you?

[frankly6]

Todays talking points from "HOW TO BE A GOOD REPUBLICAN"

1) This is no big deal. You liberals are smearing a good man who just happens to really really like boys.
2) Those boys were "gay baiting" Foley. You know how teenage boys like to tease. Disgusting little ****ards!
3) Congress just changed the age of sexual consent for children to 1 month so where's the crime here?
4) Hastert said he didn't remember being told about this. So what if all of these other Republicans including members of his own staff say they told him? He's a busy man. Give him a break for the love of God!
5) La la la la la la 9/11 9/11/ 9/11 war on terror....I see you talking but I can't hear you.....la la la...
6) The liberal media, Sorros, and Bill Clinton have come together to form a vast left wing conspiracy bent on bringing our good and righteous leaders down.
7) Cover up? What cover up? I don't see a cover up here. If it's covered up how can you see a cover up?
8) War on terror...stay the course....family values...mushroom cloud...be afraid be very very afraid....

[searingtruth]

"Searingtruth- First- In your world, do voters make the laws or do judges?"
bizzzz

Neither. People vote for the legislative branch, the legislative branch proposes and passes laws, sometimes with further voting by the public, the judicial branch decides whether laws are Constitutional, and the Executive branch enforces Constitutional laws.

It's very basic American civics, which Republicans seem to have never learned. Or they learned, and simply despised.
ST

"Secondly- If you think Bush is such a dictator as a President during a time of war, do me a favor, do some research on Franklin Roosevelt's policies regarding Presidential powers during World War 2. I'm sure you'll come to the conclusion that the Democratic President lauded as one of the greatest Presidents of all time, who saved us from Adolf Hitler was indeed a Dictator himself, wouldn't you?"
bizzzz

No. Roosevelt, and other Presidents, have occasionally violated the law and abused their power, but none of them literally abandoned the Constitution of the United States of America.

But let%u2019s say for a moment that they had. It would still have nothing at all to with the Republican Parties current abuse of power, and abandonment of the Constitution. Which is treason.
ST

"But gee whiz mommy, Johnny did it too ..."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[smasterb]

"6) The liberal media, Sorros, and Bill Clinton have come together to form a vast left wing conspiracy bent on bringing our good and righteous leaders down"

From the land of conspiracy theories

[drgoodwin12]

To TRUEPROGRESS read all of the Brian Ross reports ABC,pages have stepped forward and said that illicit affairs took place.Palmer and Hastert are old friends and share an apt. Do you honestly beleive Palmer never mentioned this to Hastert?It is time for several resignations including Hasterts.The republican party said early last week they had 48 hours to do damage control and silence this story.Guess what it is not dead yet and the link I gave you can look each and everyone of them up.the list of republicans have illegal relationship with minors takes up more than the 1500 words i am allowed . Here is the link. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/

[drgoodwin12]

To bizzzz are you referring to the japanese/german detention centers of US citizens?If you are then I would have had no problem with Bush doing the same thing to the Saudis seeing as how they made up the majority of the 9/11 hijackers.You cannot do all the muslims.I am not really trying to defend searing truth I honestly think she has dropped to much LSD.However what did Bush do? He did not nuke Afghanistan and Pakistan which would have solve the terrorist situation,no he went and started a war in Iraq that he planned 11 days into office(sources:AGAINST ALL ENEMIES and THE PRICE OF LOYALTY)no one has ever rebuked these books both written by republicans which created more terrorist(NIE report).You are right he is not a dictator just a lousy president.

[searingtruth]

" ...I am not really trying to defend searing truth I honestly think she has dropped to much LSD.However what did Bush do? He did not nuke Afghanistan and Pakistan which would have solve the terrorist situation, ..."
drgoodwin12

Yikes!!!

I would not sink so low as to personally defame you, but my goodness. If anyone's mind has been altered, I don't think it's mine. Nuking Afghanistan and Pakistan would have solved our terrorist situation?

No wonder our world is teetering on the brink of complete madness.
ST

"I couldn't really think of anything to say, so I just called them names."
SearingTruth

"Any who act as if freedom's defenses are to be found in suppression and suspicion and fear confess a doctrine that is alien to America."
President Eisenhower

"We are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on a battlefield."
George Orwell

"My job is easy. All I have to do is tell the truth."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[tejasdemo]

What a complete loser this Hastert is. He is going to fire everybody else ?This guy is the one who needs to be fired. Not re-elected. And, when he gets thrown out of office he sure as hell should have all the pension and healthcare benefits these crooks get tossed out right along with him.

[trueprogress]

I don't think we can make any type of moral judgment in this case. If we were not there. how do we know what really happened. And who are you to say what is right or wrong ? IT is all relative .

[tejasdemo]

trueprogress...that sounds nice but I'm pretty sure we can say that Hastert knew and did nothing about it and if anybody votes for him that should be ashamed.

[searingtruth]

"I join cordially in admiring and revering the Constitution of the United States, the result of the collected wisdom of our country. That wisdom has committed to us the important task of proving by example that a government, if organized in all its parts on the Representative principle unadulterated by the infusion of spurious elements, if founded, not in the fears & follies of man, but on his reason, on his sense of right, on the predominance of the social over his dissocial passions, may be so free as to restrain him in no moral right, and so firm as to protect him from every moral wrong."
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Amos Marsh, November 20, 1801

"The principle of the Constitution is that of a separation of legislative, Executive and Judiciary functions, except in cases specified. If this principle be not expressed in direct terms, it is clearly the spirit of the Constitution, and it ought to be so commented and acted on by every friend of free government."
Thomas Jefferson, January, 1797


OK folks, I've got to get some work done now, but I'll see you all again in a few hours.
ST

Until then, just remember:

"The problem with truth, if you're evil, is that you can't fight it."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[frankly6]

Todays Foley scandal talking points from "HOW TO BE A GOOD REPUBLICAN":

1) This is no big deal. You liberals are smearing a good man who just happens to really really like boys.
2) Those boys were "gay baiting" Foley. You know how teenage boys like to tease. Disgusting little ****ards!
3) Congress just changed the age of sexual consent for children to 1 month so where's the crime here?
4) Hastert said he didn't remember being told about this. So what if all of these other Republicans including members of his own staff say they told him? He's a busy man. Give him a break for the love of God!
5) La la la la la la 9/11 9/11/ 9/11 war on terror....I see you talking but I can't hear you.....la la la...
6) The liberal media, Sorros, and Bill Clinton have come together to form a vast left wing conspiracy bent on bringing our good and righteous leaders down.
7) Cover up? What cover up? I don't see a cover up here. If it's covered up how can you see a cover up?
8) War on terror...stay the course....family values...mushroom cloud...be afraid be very very afraid America....the Dems want ot let the terrorist have their way but we'll protect you and your children.

God Bless America and remember to vote Republican.

[bizzzz-2009]

Hey,can somebody help me out? I'm fairly new to these postings. How do I inject my responses directly into the text of other peoples postings like searingtruth?
Seriously, can somebody explain it to me?

[drgoodwin12]

To searingtruth you qoute Orwell's 1984 book of the same name,it was fiction,this is reality.How do you propose to have stopped the terrorist with flowers,words,orwellian literature?The terrorist who attcked our country on 9/11 beleive in jihad.You cannot change these peoples minds,the only minds you can hope to change are the ones who currently are not terrorist with a comphrensive deterrment policy(not military) I have read your posts in many places and I beleive you are under the illusion that we can win this war on terror with flowers,words of love and orwellian dribble.It cannot be won that way.Had we nuked Afghanistan and Pakistan strategically targeting the taliban and Al Queda this war would be over.But no we foolishingly went into Iraq who had no WMD's or no connections to Al Queda.Yes they supported Hamas,but Hamas is not our problem and the Israeli army is quite capable of taking care of it.Have you ever heard the saying "you can't argue with a sick mind" that applies to the terrorist.The only argument they understand is violence.Reality check time,come out of the sixties and look at the world today.Peace,love and understanding were slogans that the world never accepted.It would be nice if they did but they do not.

[chasemonster]

Come on!!!
Hastert wants to save his political life!!!
If he resigns, he is TOAST!!!
Wake up!!!
These Republicans will do ANYTHING to hold on to power.

[searingtruth]

"...To searingtruth you qoute Orwell's 1984 book of the same name,it was fiction,this is reality.How do you propose to have stopped the terrorist..."
drgoodwin12

First of all, your post was well constructed and presented some valid questions worthy of debate.
I certainly appreciate that, as opposed to personal defamation and name calling. I hope we are past that.

drgoodwin12, there is evil in this world, everywhere we go. And some of that evil is just as you describe, ruthlessly bent on the destruction of their enemy at all costs. And for some, that enemy is us. These people cannot be reasoned with, or negotiated with, or dealt with in any civil way whatsoever. Our only option in ridding ourselves of this type of evil is indeed to kill it, or be killed ourselves.

However, this type of evil constitutes a very small percentage of the people on this Earth, not almost everyone as the Republicans have attempted to make us believe. Even after all the atrocities America has committed, there are still very few who really want to annihilate America, although there are many more furiously angry with her.

Fellow citizen, the way to fight evil is not by becoming evil yourself. This is where America went wrong. I am a realist, and we had every right to go into Afghanistan and wipe out the Taliban, even though it meant the loss of innocent life. However, there was no reason to abandon our Constitutional form of government, essentially becoming the evil we had always fought.
ST

[searingtruth]

"Hey,can somebody help me out? I'm fairly new to these postings. How do I inject my responses directly into the text of other peoples postings like searingtruth?
Seriously, can somebody explain it to me?"
bizzzz

I just cut and paste text from the posts I wish to address. All you need to do is put your cursor at the start of the text you want to copy, hold down your left mouse and drag it over the text, then right click your mouse and click "Copy" on the menu that pops up. Then put your cursor where you want to copy the text, right click your mouse, and hit "Paste" on the menu that pops up.

You see, I really do believe in free speech. I am more than happy to help even the opposition voice their point of view.
ST

"I did not like them. I did not like what they said. I did not like the way they said it.
But I let them speak anyway, and offered protection against those who would have them silenced."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[searingtruth]

"But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship. ... voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering, the Nuremberg Diary

" ...to those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid terrorists ..."
Dec 6, 2001, Attorney General Ashcroft

"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."
John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 17, 1775

"My confidence is that there will for a long time be virtue and good sense enough in our countrymen to correct abuses."
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Edward Rutledge, 1788

"The Constitution fails to defend itself, enduring only in the brave hearts of those who would uphold it."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[sharncedar]

SearingTruth says: "we had every right to go into Afghanistan and wipe out the Taliban"

Hah, they fooled you too, eh. The Taliban didn't attack us on 9/11. Actually, as I have heard they were willing to give up Bin Laden, who was only a guy who lived in their country, not a member of their government. He received no governement funds, wasn't officially part of their country, or anything, jsut a radical who lived there in some remote part. He received more funds from Saudi Arabia than anywhere else, actually. Lots of weirdos lived in Afganistan, and still do, it isn't the current government's fault, is it.

So there really wasn't such a strong justification to attack the Taliban. It's like bombimg America for the acts of some weird militia group or something. Afganistan was Bush/Cheney's first sleight of hand, the first clever shifting away from Bin Laden (who they want to protect for some reason). Like with a magician, the first misdirection is the key one, for us that was Afganistan, as if the Taliban was to blame and not Bin Laden/CIA. Fooled you too, huh. That's how insidious these guys are.

[searingtruth]

"... Hah, they fooled you too, eh. The Taliban didn't attack us on 9/11. ..."
SharnCedar

Well, that's not what I heard. I heard and saw Taliban officials initially deny connections with Bin Laden, and then change their story and say they had been giving him support all along. This was a little before and after they were attacked, so I can%u2019t imagine why their official information minister would say they were supporting Bin Laden if they weren%u2019t.

But you may be correct nevertheless. "They" may have fooled me. With a heinous administration like Dictator Bush's, anything is possible. They are completely devoid of all moral values, and will do anything to gain and hold onto power. However, I think claiming the Taliban wasn't supporting Bin Laden is a little too conspiratorial for me. But as I said, I won't deny its possible that I'm wrong and some master plan was created as a cover for invading Afghanistan, just like they did for Iraq.

In any case, my point stands. I have no problem with attacking a country that has attacked us. But when we do so, we must do so in accordance with international law, which includes honoring the Geneva conventions, and without abandoning our own Constitutional form of government.

And of course, when our own government goes so far as to lie about which countries do or do not actually attack us, they have betrayed us, and those responsible for the masquerade must be brought to justice.
ST

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[drgoodwin12]

Here is a link that further demostrates that the leadership had knowledge of Foleys action years ago.http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2550501&page=1 Let us stick to this story and post about all the other stories on their collective news pages.

[searingtruth]

"Here is a link that further demostrates that the leadership had knowledge of Foleys action years ago ..."
drgoodwin12

Yes, it%u2019s truly stunning, just unfathomable.

Having Hastert in charge of his own investigation isn%u2019t like having the fox guard the henhouse, it%u2019s like putting the hen in the foxes mouth, and then telling the fox to run out into the middle of the forest and not eat the hen!.
ST

"The Kingdom of the Foil Hat is over."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com